Maine Street Streetscape Project

August 7, 2024

RE:  Maine Street Trees and the Streetscape Project

To the Residents of Brunswick:

As discussed at the public forum held on Monday, August 5, the Town is moving forward with the Maine Street sidewalk reconstruction as designed and approved by the Town Council. This will result in the likely loss of the remaining trees that are currently present on Maine Street within the project area. However, staff will continue to assess each tree individually when construction approaches their block and make every effort to preserve an existing tree if does not conflict with accessibility requirements and the long-term success of the sidewalk.

The removal of our existing trees is not due to a lack of agreement or understanding about the role that trees play in Brunswick. However, the accessibility of our Maine Street sidewalks for residents, businesses, and visitors is too great of a need to ignore. Compliance with the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) requirements is not a luxury, it is a necessity for a community like ours that values inclusiveness.

This is not an easy decision. The benefits of urban trees are well-known and there is no question that they provide incredible value in important ways. It is why the Town has committed to planting more trees on Maine Street with this sidewalk reconstruction project than previously existed. It is also why the new trees will be planted with substantial improvements to their environment to help them flourish into healthy, mature trees that will once again line Maine Street. 

As always, the Town Council appreciates the comments and suggestions from everyone that has reached out on both sides of this issue. 

Sincerely, 

Abby King
Chair, Brunswick Town Council

Q: Are any of the existing street trees to be removed?
 A: Yes, unfortunately some of the existing trees will be removed during the project. The Town's Tree Committee had a group of arborists review the existing trees for health. 14 trees are to be removed on the west side due to declining health, while 8 mature trees will remain. These remaining trees will be monitored during construction in an attempt to preserve them. All trees that are removed will be replaced with new trees plantings. The trees on the east side will be evaluated in 2025.

Q: What happened to the elm tree in front of Frosty's?

A: It was with a heavy heart that the town arborist did okay the removal of the tree, it was not an easy decision to do so. A new water main was installed to the building on one side,  and a new storm water drain was being installed on the other side of the tree. Over 40% of the feeder roots were removed during the prep and installation, even after the town ordered changes to the storm water plans to move it away from the tree as far as possible to protect it. The arborist inspected the tree during and after excavation, and could not find any structural roots under the sidewalk either. The risk of the tree falling was a very large concern, and the damage to the feeder roots was too great for the tree to survive.    

Q: Why are native tree species not being planted back?

A:  The Curator of the Royal Public Garen in London England said it best  “ trying to put a native tree in a nonnative environment ” this will give a tree a disadvantage before it even starts. Selecting trees to put in a harsh environment like sidewalks tree wells is hard enough and require special trees to be planted for their long-term survival. They are selected to not only provide the esthetics and shade required but will respond to the local conditions as they evolve at the same time. Trees are selected for the adaptability to soil conditions, environmental conditions, drought tolerance,  small root growth zones and winter survival. Street trees at the start are given a live expectancy on average of 19-28 year and an annual mortality Rate of 3.5-5.1%.  Selecting trees that will survive the odds plays a large factor in their selection. 

Q: What time will construction work happen? 

A: Generally construction will begin shortly after 7am and continue until about 5pm on Monday through Friday. No construction is planned for on weekends or prior to 7am or after 7pm. 

Q: Will the businesses be open during construction?

A: Yes, businesses are expected to be open and accessible during the construction project. There may be brief moments where a store is inaccessible as equipment is moved or work performed, but otherwise special ramps will be provided to help pedestrians enter stores while the contractor does their best to coordinate around business hours.